SEC media days: Gabe Wright ready to take on more vocal role this fall

HOOVER, Ala. — In a decision made with the blessing of his nutritionist at the end of last season, Gabe Wright decided it was high time he lost some weight.

In just a few short months, he dropped from close to 320 pounds down to 285. It just so happens that the senior defensive tackle’s commitment to slimming down came at the perfect time for Auburn. In his first three seasons with the Tigers, he had played exclusivey on the interior of the defensive line. But this spring, a rash of injuries befell Auburn’s defensive ends, decimating the depth at the position.

That’s where Wright came in.

To make up for the lack of able bodies on the perimeter, he started cross-training at defensive end.

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“(Defensive line) ‘Coach G’ (Rodney Garner) actually wanted me (to do that) last year, but he didn’t think I was ready,” Wright said at SEC media days on Monday, “but I respected his decision. If I’m called upon, I will answer the call, there’s no doubt about that. It just shows his confidence in me.”

At this point, Wright has no idea how much time he’ll see at end this fall.

The same couldn’t be said for his belief in Garner’s ability to discern who deserves playing time.

“One thing I won’t do is second-guess Coach Garner, whether it’s on or off the field,” Wright said. “But we got LaDarius (Owens) coming back, Elijah (Daniel) and me and 'Mon' (Montravius Adams) split positions, and I believe we signed three or four freshmen defensive ends who all look great. I know Coach G has it all handled.”

Wright tries to control what he can as well. The former Carver star admittedly isn’t a vocal leader — at least not yet, anyway. He’s left that responsibility to fellow senior Jeff Whitaker, who’s back for a fifth season after sitting out last year. Letting Whitaker and others take care of the rah-rah speeches allowed Wright to let his results do the talking.

Last year, his numbers spoke quite loudly, as he set career-highs in total tackles (31), tackles for loss (8.5), sacks (three) and quarterback hurries (nine).

As much as he prefers substance over style, Wright is well-aware of his weaknesses.

That’s why Wright wants to see his production go hand in hand with his words this season

“I’m a guy that likes to lead by example,” he said. “I see myself as a leader, but I think there’s more to being a leader and part of that is being able to get out of your comfort zone and being able to address situations. I think there’s a lot of improvement that can be done.”

War Eagle Extra

Jordan D. Hill has covered high schools and athletes in the Bi-City area for the Ledger-Enquirer since January 2017. Prior to coming to Columbus, Hill was a freelancer for The Macon Telegraph and an intern for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. A native of Jasper, Georgia, Hill is a graduate of Pickens High School and the University of Georgia.